The Last Liberators

World War II has captivated my interest for as long as I can remember. My late mother, Jean Elizabeth Griffin, was evacuated in September 1939, and her family home in Selly Oak, Birmingham, was destroyed in a bombing raid in December 1940. She later contributed to a book titled "Evacuees; Children's Lives on the WW2 Home Front," a copy of which we sent to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who kindly wrote back to Mum.

Growing up in the 1970s, I often caddied for several World War II veterans at Moor Hall Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. The club professional, the late Norman McDonald, was a former Lance Corporal in the 8th Army in the North African campaign, one of Monty's 'Desert Rats.' I cherished listening to the stories, wit, and wisdom of these brave men of the armed forces, who will forever be my heroes. I'm proud to name a few who became close friends. From the Army: Cpt. Norman Bailey, Cpt. John Cornall, Lyn Thomas, and John Monk, Parachute Regiment, who participated in "Operation Market Garden." From the RAF: Doug Avery, Les Whitehouse, and Alan Ward. From the Royal Navy: Joe Bridges, Fred Willis, and Ron Ross.

Among these remarkable individuals was the late Phillip Thompson, a soldier, Lance Corporal, who along with his band, entertained tens of thousands of servicemen and women across Europe and Africa for five years. My parents' neighbor, Arthur Riddings, signed up for the RAF in 1939 and then transferred to the Special Operations Executive (SOE). He piloted the Lysander aircraft made of balsa wood across France to drop agents and pick up stranded airmen. His incredible backstory only came to light from a few servicemen who attended his funeral 20 or so years ago.

These remarkable men, the Last Liberators, hold a special place in my heart. Final acknowledgment to the late Captain James Pare, my great-grandfather, who served in the British Army in the Mahdist War, Ashanti War, Boxer Rebellion, and Second Boer War.

CJ Griffin - Founder of The Last Liberators Company

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Supporting The Last Liberators

When you wear The Last Liberators, you not only honor those who served, but you also contribute to causes that support the welfare of WWII veterans and their families. Join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals and keeping their stories alive for future generations. 20% of our profits with be split between

www.britishlegion.org.uk 

www.taxicharity.org

www.britishnormandymemorial.org

6th June 1944

In the annals of history, 6th June 1944, stands as an emblem of unity and the indomitable spirit of humanity. Dubbed "Operation Overlord" in military circles, it reverberates through time as "D-Day," a testament to the day when the tides of tyranny were turned on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Strategically orchestrated, D-Day wasn't merely a military maneuver; it was a symphony of liberation, with each note played to relieve the burden on the Eastern Front and weaken the grip of Nazi occupation in western Europe. The anticipation of invasion prompted a strategic chess match, forcing Germany to redistribute its forces and fortify its defenses, unwittingly spreading its resources thin.

At the break of dawn on 6th June 1944, as the world held its breath, the landing crafts carrying the valiant soldiers of the Allied forces breached the shores of Normandy. With a resounding roar, they surged forward, marking the historic onset of D-Day.

Before this pivotal moment, meticulous planning and hard-learned lessons paved the way. The scars of past wars, notably World War I, loomed large in the minds of British commanders, advocating for a Mediterranean detour initially. The somber echoes of the failed Dieppe Raid served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for ample resources and air superiority, prerequisites for any direct assault on Hitler's formidable "Atlantic Wall."

The magnitude of the operation was staggering, dwarfing any previous endeavor in its scale and coordination. As the clock struck midnight, a torrent of Allied forces descended upon the French shores, swelling to over 132,000 by day's end. A maritime armada, bristling with resolve, ferried them across the English Channel, a testament to the collective will of nations united against a common foe.

Amidst the chaos of battle, the human spirit shone brightest. Paratroopers descended from the heavens, carving paths behind enemy lines, while seaborne forces stormed the beaches codenamed Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah. Each inch gained came at a cost, with some beaches witnessing swift victories while others bore the weight of heavy losses.

The aftermath of D-Day reverberated far beyond the shores of Normandy. With each passing day, the Allies tightened their grip on the European mainland, liberating swathes of territory and inching closer to the heart of Nazi Germany. The tide had turned, spelling the beginning of the end for Hitler's reign of terror.

Yet, victory came at a profound cost. The sacrifices of over 10,500 Allied troops, their lives laid down for the cause of freedom, serve as a poignant reminder of the human toll exacted by war. As we reflect on the legacy of D-Day, let us honor their memory and draw inspiration from their unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

Italian Trulli

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